How To Know When Your Manuscript Is Done
Stuck on your manuscript? Here’s how to know whether to polish, pitch, or pause.
I love the topic of today’s newsletter because, let’s be real, I’m still asking “is it really done?” with every single thing I write (even this very newsletter), and this was such a good reminder to write for my own soul. I hope it’s an encouragement to you.
While I have you: I am hosting a FREE webinar this Friday, Sept. 26 at 2pm CT on 5 Reasons You Really Can Write That Children’s Book. We’ll be talking about understanding the industry, imposter syndrome, craft tips, and publishing paths—and I CAN’T WAIT TO HANG WITH YOU. If you can’t make it, still register and we’ll send you the replay!
If you join me at the webinar, I’ll also have a sweeeet free gift for you if you sign up for the Manuscript Masterclass. Remember, doors for sign up open this Friday, 9/26, and we’ll be working on your manuscript starting October 6!
Okay friend, so you’ve got an idea that excites you (maybe even a stack of pages?), but you’re not sure if it’s time to polish, pitch, or put it aside. That moment—when you’ve put in effort but aren’t sure what comes next—can feel discouraging. Do you keep drafting? Do you dive into revisions? Do you start looking for an agent?
This is one of the trickiest spots writers face. The truth is, there isn’t a single “right” answer, but there are reliable ways to figure out your next step.
How to know if your manuscript is done:
1. Name your stage honestly and match your work to it.
Ask yourself: Am I still exploring the idea? Am I drafting? Revising? Querying? Too often, we expect ourselves to do all of these at once—and that’s paralyzing. Narrow it down to the stage you’re actually in.
If you’re in the idea stage, brainstorm freely and read widely in your category.
If you’re in the drafting stage, stop worrying about perfection—get the bones of the story down. Write, write, write without thinking or caring about all the little rules or tips and tricks.
If you’re in the revision stage, whip out all your skills. Seek outside feedback, trim excess words, focus on structure, and more.
If you’re in the submission stage, stop messing with it. Polish your query and book proposal and start building agent lists.
*One caveat here: As we’ve discussed, sometimes actually sitting down to write your book proposal can be super helpful in figuring out what revisions you need to make to your book manuscript. So if you’re stuck on revising, consider jumping forward to the “submission stage,” to add clarity around your idea through a proposal draft. You likely won’t send it anywhere yet, but you’re doing some of the heavy lifting in one area to make another area—your manuscript—better.
As you’re figuring out your stage, keep these great quotes in mind:
“The first draft of anything is bad.” - Hemingway (He actually uses another word, but we’re PG around here.)
“If you write one story, it might be bad. But if you write one hundred stories, the odds are in your favor.” - Burroughs
“You didn’t need to write well if you edit brilliantly.” -Cherryh
3. Take a break.
When you’re ruminating on a work and can’t figure out what to do with it, put it away for a few days, weeks, or months and come back with fresh eyes. Time away always gives perspective and new thoughts. As a note, it really is normal to feel like your book is terrible. I get here with every manuscript. I love it, love it, love it, then I suddenly get to a spot in the editing stage where I think it’s pretty much the most terrible thing I’ve ever produced. This is a good sign for me to stop touching the work and put it away for a bit.
4. Get outside perspective.
Sometimes we’re too close to see clearly. If you’re lost on what’s next, have a few people review it. That’s where critique groups, mentors, or structured programs (like the Manuscript Masterclass!) make a difference. You can also just have a few bold friends who love KidLit read it and give you honest feedback. Do they like it? Maybe it’s done. Are they confused? Now you know you’re in the revision stage. A wise voice or two can save you months of guesswork.
5. Ask, “Am I doing harm to the work?”
I can’t remember where I heard this question, but it’s stuck with me through my 15+ years of writing and publishing. After a time, you’ll realize you’re just tinkering to tinker on your manuscript. Changing to change. Editing to edit. It takes self-awareness, but eventually you’ll realize you’re not doing anything to move the manuscript forward and it’s time to let it fly.
6. Give it to God.
While the entire writing process is a practice in dependence on God, we often feel it most when we need to release the work. There will always be room for improvement, but remember: Perfection is impossible. If you have worked hard to get the work to follow best practices, broken rules for good reasons, and have people nodding along, that’s the best you can hope for. At some point, you will have to choose give it up as an offering to the Lord for his glory, knowing ultimately, all of your ideas, words, and skills are in his hands. Give it to him, you can trust him.
The Good News
Every great manuscript was once a work in progress, stuck at some stage. Figuring out your “next right step” isn’t about rushing—it’s about moving forward with clarity instead of spinning in circles.
If you’re wondering what that step looks like for you, the Manuscript Masterclass was designed to walk you through it. We cover everything from shaping your manuscript to preparing your pitch so you’re not left guessing. And in our fall cohort (doors open Friday, Sept. 26!), I’m hosting live coaching calls every Friday so I can walk you through your specific questions and help you get your manuscript publishing-ready.
Writing isn’t a straight path, but you don’t have to navigate the twists and turns alone. I’m ready to tackle it with you. (Speaking of, I’m also hosting a FREE webinar this Friday, Sept. 26 at 2pm CT: 5 Reasons You Really Can Write That Children’s Book—register here and I’ll see you then!)
Writing together,
Laura + The KidLit Lab Team